Learn Something New During Adult Learners' Week

Nova Scotians are encouraged to learn something new during the first provincial celebration of International Adult Learners' Week, Sept. 8 to 14.

"What did you learn today?" is the theme of the week-long series of events that aim to raise the profile of adult learning and promote the importance of lifelong learning. All Nova Scotians are encouraged to consider what they can do to always have a positive response to this question.

"Learning doesn't start when you enter school and end when you leave," said Education Minister Jane Purves. "We need to actively learn throughout our lives for our own personal growth. We also need to gain new skills so that our workforce can compete in the global economy."

UNESCO initiated International Adult Learners' Week in 2000. This spring, the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada and the Canadian Commission for UNESCO announced that Canada would participate for the first time. Celebrations are being held in more 30 countries this year.

Ms. Purves will launch the week in Nova Scotia at 11 a.m., Friday, Sept. 6, at Alderney Landing, Dartmouth. Everyone is invited to attend the launch and visit the learning fair between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The fair will offer learning experiences from African drumming to career planning at 15 interactive exhibits.

The Department of Education has posted a schedule of events taking place throughout the province during the week on its Web site at www.ednet.ns.ca . The department is also encouraging visitors to the site to share their thoughts on lifelong learning.

This month also marks the first anniversary of the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning. The school helps adult Nova Scotians access literacy and upgrading programs through educational institutions around the province. This spring, more than 150 Nova Scotians were the first to receive the Nova Scotia High School Graduation Diploma for Adults through the school.